Elon's Email Results, White House Makes Major Media Changes, Town Hall Truth: AM Update for 2/26

Summary

The Megyn Kelly Show: Detailed Summary Episode: Elon's Email Results, White House Makes Major Media Changes, Town Hall Truth: AM Update for 2/26
Release Date: February 26, 2025

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1. Introduction and Overview

In the February 26, 2025 episode of The Megyn Kelly Show, host Megyn Kelly delivers an incisive AM Update covering significant developments within the federal workforce, White House press dynamics, contentious town hall meetings, and border security issues. The episode delves into the Trump administration's recent initiatives, media relations adjustments, and the socio-political climate influencing these changes.

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2. Federal Workforce Email Initiative

a. The Initiative Explained

The episode opens with Megyn Kelly discussing a controversial email initiative spearheaded by President Trump and Elon Musk. The initiative required federal employees to respond to a Saturday email by 11:59 PM on the following Monday, under the threat of being considered resigned if they failed to comply. This directive saw mixed reactions across various departments.

b. Press Secretary Caroline Levitt's Clarification

Press Secretary Caroline Levitt provided clarity on the matter, emphasizing the unified approach of the administration. At [02:53], Ms. Levitt stated:

“Those responses should be directed to agency leadership and the President. Defers to his Cabinet secretaries who he's obviously entrusted to pursue the guidance relative to their specific workforce... The President and Elon is his entire cabinet are working as one unified team and they are implementing these very common sense solutions.”

c. President Trump's Commentary

President Trump weighed in on the initiative from the Oval Office, voicing his frustration with federal employee accountability. At [03:27], he remarked:

“We have people that don't show up to work and nobody even knows if they work for the government... are you actually working?... they're trying to find out who's working for the government.”

d. Response and Compliance

Ms. Levitt announced substantial compliance, noting that over one million federal employees had participated by submitting five bullet points detailing their weekly activities ([04:04]). According to the Congressional Budget Office, this represents more than 43% of the 2.3 million-strong federal workforce.

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3. Changes to White House Press Pool

a. Current Press Pool System

Traditionally, the White House press pool consisted of veteran reporters from established media outlets like The Associated Press, Reuters, NBC, ABC, CBS, Fox, The New York Times, and The Washington Post. These reporters accompanied the President on Air Force One and had privileged access to the Oval Office.

b. Announced Changes by Caroline Levitt

In a significant shift, Press Secretary Caroline Levitt announced reforms to the press pool selection process ([05:54]):

“Moving forward, the White House press pool will be determined by the White House press team... we will also be offering the privilege to deserving outlets who have never been allowed to share in this awesome responsibility.”

c. Media and Press Association Reactions

The changes faced backlash from legacy media and press organizations. Notably:

• Peter Baker, Chief White House Correspondent for The New York Times, criticized the move on X (formerly Twitter), drawing parallels to Kremlin-controlled press environments.

• Jackie Heinrich of Fox News echoed concerns, stating:

  “This move does not give the power back to the people. It gives power to the White House.”

• Eugene Daniels, President of the White House Correspondents Association, condemned the changes as detrimental to press independence:

  “This move tears at the independence of a free press in the US. In a free country, leaders must not be able to choose their own press corps.”

d. Legal Implications

The Associated Press (AP) had been excluded from the press pool due to its refusal to acknowledge the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. The AP sued, alleging a First Amendment violation, but a federal judge denied a temporary restoration of full access ([05:54]).

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4. Presidential Executive Orders and Initiatives

a. Recent Executive Orders

President Trump, alongside Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and HHS Secretary rfkj, signed several executive orders targeting:

• Price Transparency in Healthcare Costs
• Domestic vs. Foreign Copper Supply Management
• Stripping Security Clearances from Law Firms Linked to the Jack Smith Cases Against Trump

b. Introduction of the "Gold Card"

A notable announcement was the introduction of the "Gold Card" initiative ([08:32]):

“It'd be very, very good... We're going to be selling a gold card... about $5 million... give you green card privileges... a route to citizenship... wealthy people will be coming into our country by buying this card... they’ll be wealthy and they’re going to spend a lot of money and pay a lot of taxes and employ a lot of people.”

While President Trump clarified that the Gold Card would not directly grant citizenship—a process requiring Congressional approval—it would serve as a pathway to citizenship, though specific mechanisms remain unspecified ([09:05]).

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5. Town Hall Meetings and GOP Reactions

a. Congressman Rich McCormick's Roswell Town Hall

A local Georgia town hall featuring Republican Congressman Rich McCormick became a focal point of media attention ([11:05]). Despite McCormick securing approximately 65% of his district's vote, he faced significant opposition from constituents dissatisfied with "Doge cuts."

b. Involvement of Activist Groups

The Washington Free Beacon highlighted that groups like Indivisible and Move On, funded by George Soros, orchestrated demonstrations at the town hall ([12:14]). Activist Maggie Goldman reported heightened tensions, noting:

“We were on fire.”

c. Media Coverage and Polling Data

Media outlets like MSNBC extensively covered the event, often portraying it as evidence of bipartisan backlash against the administration’s policies. However, polling data from Harvard Harris indicated strong public support for government efficiency initiatives:

• 72% support the existence of a U.S. government agency focused on efficiency.
• 60% believe DOGE is effectively reducing government expenditures.
• President Trump holds a 52% approval rating, compared to 43% disapproval.
• Democratic Party approval stands at 36%, a record low.

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6. Conditions at Guantanamo Bay Migrant Detention Facility

a. Washington Post's Report

The Washington Post reported on deplorable conditions at Guantanamo Bay, where detainees reportedly face humiliating strip searches and prolonged isolation ([13:57]).

b. Press Secretary Caroline Levitt's Response

Caroline Levitt dismissed the reports, emphasizing criminal behavior as the reason for detention:

“These are criminals we are talking about. Don't forget that.”

c. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's Tour and Comments

Secretary Hegseth, who has military experience in the area, toured the facility and described it as the "front lines of the war on America's southern border" ([14:19]). He highlighted recent deportations and the administration’s efforts to combat cartel activities.

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7. Border Security and Cartel Activities

a. Recent Violence and Investigations

A tragic incident involving the death of a Texas rancher and a non-U.S. citizen due to a cartel-planted improvised explosive device (IED) near Brownsville, Texas, underscores escalating border tensions ([14:19]).

b. Government Actions Against Cartels

The Trump administration has taken a hard stance against cartels by designating eight organizations, including Trenda, Aragua, and MS-13, as terrorist entities. This designation permits:

• Freezing of cartel assets
• Penalizing affiliates aiding these groups
• Justifying military interventions

c. Enhanced Surveillance Measures

In response to cartel operations, the CIA has increased drone surveillance flights over Mexico to monitor illicit activities, as reported by The New York Times ([14:19]).

d. Impact on Border Crossings

These aggressive measures have contributed to a 15-year low in illegal border crossings, posing a significant financial setback for cartel operations.

e. Public Safety Recommendations

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller issued a statement advising vigilance among those in the agricultural sector:

“Stay vigilant, remain aware of your surroundings, avoid dirt roads and remote areas, and refrain from touching unfamiliar objects that could be explosive devices.”

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8. Conclusion and Final Remarks

Megyn Kelly concluded the AM Update by summarizing the key developments:

• The Trump administration's initiatives to enhance federal workforce accountability and reshape media relations have sparked both compliance and controversy.
• Legislative and executive actions, including the introduction of the Gold Card, aim to reform various aspects of governance and immigration.
• Public sentiment, as reflected in recent polls, largely supports the administration's efficiency measures despite media portrayals of dissent.
• Ongoing border security efforts and crackdowns on cartel activities demonstrate a robust approach to national safety, albeit accompanied by tragic incidents and stringent policies.

Kelly signaled that more in-depth discussions and updates would follow on the live show later that day.

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Notable Advertisements Skipped: The episode included advertisements for Beekeepers Naturals, Tax Network USA, and USAA Auto Insurance, which were omitted from this summary to focus on the core content.

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For listeners unable to tune in, this summary encapsulates the critical discussions and developments presented in this episode of The Megyn Kelly Show. Stay informed on future episodes for continued coverage of political, legal, and cultural affairs.

Transcript

[Megyn Kelly]

Good morning everyone. I'm Megyn Kelly. It's Wednesday, February 26, 2025 and this is your AM update.

[Caroline Levitt]

The President and Elon and his entire Cabinet are working as one unified team and they are implementing these very common sense solutions.

[Megyn Kelly]

Press Secretary Caroline Levitt provides some clarity to the Doge what did you do last week? Email confusion and announces a major change to the White House Press Access Congressman.

[Rich McCormick]

McCormick was not exactly welcomed home at a town hall meeting in Roswell, Georgia last night.

[Megyn Kelly]

Media reveling in chaotic GOP town halls using the scenes as proof of bipartisan backlash against Doge. But there's more to the story and a Texas border rancher killed by an improvised explosive device near the border who authorities say is behind the deadly blast. All that and more coming up in just a moment on your AM Update.

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[Megyn Kelly]

Six words Rocking the federal Workforce. What did you do last week? The Saturday email initially came with a deadline of 11:59pm Monday and a warning from Elon Musk. Failure to respond will be taken as a resignation. Some departments like the FBI, Homeland Security and the Department of Defense told employees not to respond. The DOGE guidance was subsequently loosened, deferring to cabinet heads on how to best handle each department. Regardless, Press Secretary Caroline Levitt with a further clarification yesterday afternoon.

[Caroline Levitt]

Those responses should be directed to agency leadership and the President. Defers to his Cabinet secretaries who he's obviously entrusted to pursue the guidance relative to their specific workforce. And for some of the agencies that you've seen who have said, please don't send these emails, it's in their best interest for that specific agency. And the President supports that. And let me be very clear, the President and Elon is his entire cabinet are working as one unified team and they are implementing these very common sense solutions.

[Megyn Kelly]

President Trump expressing support for the email, commenting on it from the Oval Office on Monday.

[Donald Trump]

We have people that don't show up to work and nobody even knows if they work for the government. So by asking the question, tell us what you did this week, what he's doing is saying, are you actually working? And then if you don't answer like you're sort of semi fired or you're fired because a lot of people are not answering because they don't even exist, they're trying to find that's how badly various parts of our government were run by and especially by this last group. So what they're doing is they're trying to find out who's working for the government.

[Megyn Kelly]

In her briefing, Ms. Levitt saying many workers have complied with the request. So far I can announce that we've.

[Caroline Levitt]

Had more than 1 million workers who have chosen to participate in, in this very simple task of again sending 5 bullet points to your direct supervisor or manager CCing OPM. I actually participated it in myself. It took me about a minute and a half to think of five things I did last week. I do five things in about 10 minutes. And all federal workers should be working at the same pace that President Trump is working and moving. We have a country to save and we want this federal government to be responsive to the needs of the American people who reelected this, this president to have historic massive reform. And that's what the intention of this idea is.

[Megyn Kelly]

According to the Congressional Budget Office, the federal workforce is made up of 2.3 million employees. So more than 43% have responded. The Trump administration shaking up the press pool. The President is trailed around by a press pool of reporters from varying legacy media outlets. The the Associated Press, Reuters, NBC, abc, cbs, fox, New York Times, Washington Post. They fly on Air Force One with him. They get to enter the Oval Office, the smaller areas that not everyone can fit into a separate, more exclusive group than what you see gathered in the briefing room. From there, they send updates to the rest of the media. The AP was recently banned from the pool because of its refusal to acknowledge the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. The AP was not banned from the briefing room or the White House premises. It just lost its highly exclusive spot in the pool and promptly sued, alleging a First Amendment violation. On Monday, a federal judge sided with the Trump administration, refusing to temporarily restore the full AP access. A hearing is scheduled for March 20th. In the meantime, Caroline Levitt yesterday announcing sweeping changes to how the pool reporters will be chosen.

[Caroline Levitt]

Asking the President of the United States questions in limited spaces such as the Oval Office in Air Force One is a privilege that unfortunately has only been granted to a few. It is not a legal right for all. As you all know, for decades, a group of D.C. based journalists, the White House Correspondents association, has long dictated which journalists get to ask questions of the President of the United States in these most intimate spaces. Not anymore. Moving forward, the White House press pool will be determined by the White House press team. Legacy outlets who have participated in the press pool for decades will still be allowed to join. Fear not. But we will also be offering the privilege to, well, deserving outlets who have never been allowed to share in this awesome responsibility.

[Megyn Kelly]

Ms. Levitt says the five major TV nets will continue coverage on a rotating basis, but aside from the TV outlets, streamers will now be included, along with more local radio hosts and others who have previously been denied access. The goal, according to the press secretary, is to broaden out White House coverage more closely, aligning it with modern media consumption. However, typically it is the press, not the President, that decides who who will handle pool coverage. The legacy media was not happy. Peter Baker, chief White House correspondent for the New York Times, harshly criticized the move, posting to X, quote, having served as a Moscow correspondent in the early days of Putin's reign. This reminds me of how the Kremlin took over its own press pool and made sure that only compliant journalists were given access. Even Fox News White House correspondent Jackie Heinrich wrote, quote, this move does not give the power back to the people. It gives power to the White House. White House Correspondents Association President Eugene Daniels releasing a statement that reads, this move tears at the independence of a free press in the US In a free country, leaders must not be able to choose their own press corps. President Trump, flanked by Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and HHS Secretary rfkj, signing a new slate of executive orders in the White House last night, one aimed at imposing price transparency on health care costs, one looking at foreign versus domestic copper supply in America, and an executive order to strip security clearances from law firms associated with the Jack Smith cases against Donald Trump amid signing the orders, the president announcing a new initiative his administration is looking at called the Gold Card.

[Donald Trump]

It'd be very, very good. We're going to be selling a gold card. You have a green card. This is a gold card. We're going to be putting a price on that card of about $5 million. And that's going to give you green card privileges. Plus, it's going to be a route to citizenship. And wealthy people will be coming into our country by buying this card. They'll be wealthy and they'll be successful, and they'll be spending a lot of money and paying a lot of taxes and employing a lot of people. And we think it's going to be extremely successful.

[Megyn Kelly]

President Trump saying the card will not grant citizenship, which would need to involve Congress, but it will be a path to citizenship, though how remains unclear. Later today, the president will hold his first cabinet meeting of the second Trump administration. Elon Musk will be in attendance. Coming up, a contentious town hall in a deep red district captivated the media. Evidence of bipartisan backlash against the Doge Boys or something else. And a Texas border rancher killed by an improvised explosive device near the border who authorities say is behind the deadly blast. Coming up in just a moment.

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[Megyn Kelly]

A local Georgia town hall over the weekend garnering significant media coverage. Georgia Republican Congressman Rich McCormick, who won about 65% of the vote in his district, faced significant backlash from his constituents angry about Doge cuts. A sample of what it sounded like.

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The people would like to know what.

[Megyn Kelly]

You congressmen and your fellow congressmen are going to do to rein in the megalomaniac in the White House when you.

[Donald Trump]

Talk about presidential power. I remember having the same discussion with Republicans when Biden was elected.

[Megyn Kelly]

Other GOP officials reportedly experienced similar confrontations. MSNBC went wild with the story running multiple segments.

[Rich McCormick]

Congressman McCormack was not exactly welcomed home at a town hall meeting in Roswell, Georgia last night. A room full of ordinary voters who gathered at a town hall in Georgia last night to hear Republican Congressman Rich McCormick and he's the one who got an earful from his constituents.

[Megyn Kelly]

The problem? They haven't quite captured the whole story. The Washington Free Beacon reporting quote, George Soros funded groups Indivisible and Move on were at the center of the demonstrations. Both groups launched national mobilization efforts targeting the Trump Musk Agenda and Trump Musk Coup. The organizations provide resources for members, directing them to local town halls. One prominently cited operative the media mentioned in reporting on the Rich McCormick Town hall in Georgia. Maggie Goldman, a self described Democrat and political activist, reports the Free Beacon on Facebook. Goldman shared write ups of the town hall writing we were on fire. Most of the reporting failing to mention the left wing activists beginning behind the town hall outrage. A Harvard Harris poll published Monday shows 72% of voters actually support existence of a U.S. government agency focused on efficiency initiatives. That Same poll says 60% of voters think DOGE is helping make major cuts in government expenditures. President Trump's overall approval rating is at 52% in that poll compared to 43% who disapprove Democratic Party approval at 36%, a record low. The Washington Post reporting on conditions at the migrant detention facility in Guantanamo Bay as Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth spends the day touring the area. The Post, citing three people held at the center, says detainees are subjected to humiliating and invasive strip searches and prolonged periods in isolation. Asked about that reporting, Press Secretary Caroline Levitt responded, if you invade our nation's.

[Caroline Levitt]

Borders, if you break our country's laws, and if then you further commit heinous brutal crimes in the interior of our country like raping and murdering innocent law abiding women and girls and committing heinous acts of violence, then you are going to be deported from this country and you may be held at Guantanamo Bay. These are criminals we are talking about. Don't forget that.

[Megyn Kelly]

Secretary Hegseth toured the facility yesterday afternoon where he was once deployed while in the Army National Guard receiving briefings on base operations in a post on x Mr. Hegseth calls the naval station the front lines of the war on America's southern border. Approximately 200 illegal immigrants were deported back to Venezuela from Guantanamo Bay last week. Two killed including a Texas rancher and and one other injured in a blast caused by a suspected cartel planted IED on the Mexican side of the border near Brownsville, Texas. A 74 year old rancher killed along with a non US citizen. The explosion occurred earlier this month as the rancher drove his car. The Texas Agriculture Commissioner, Sid Miller issuing a statement calling for extreme caution along the border. Miller urges those in the agricultural industry to stay vigilant, remain aware of their surroundings, avoid dirt roads and remote areas, and refrain from touching unfamiliar objects that could be explosive devices. Late last week, the Trump administration designated eight cartels, including Trenda, Aragua and Ms. 13 as terrorist organizations. That allows the government to freeze cartel assets, penalize anyone aiding the groups and justify military action. A week ago, the New York Times reported the CIA is increasing surveillance drone flights over Mexico to monitor cartel activity. The cartels operate multi billion dollar industries, most notably drug trafficking, human trafficking, including sex trafficking and border smuggling. Also a big money maker for these vicious gangs. Yesterday, the administration reported a 15 year low in illegal border crossings, no doubt a major financial blow to the cartel's bottom line. That'll do it for your AM Update. I'm Megyn Kelly. Join me back here later for the Megan Kelly show live on SiriusXM Triumph Channel 111 at noon east on YouTube.com megankelly and on all podcast platforms.

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